Judge strikes down all 5 California teacher protection laws

In a significant defeat for the state's teachers unions, a Superior Court judge in Los Angeles has overturned five state statutes giving California teachers firing protections and rights to tenure and seniority. Judge Rolf Treu agreed with the lawsuit's claim that the laws disproportionately hurt poor and minority children who were saddled with the state's worst performing teachers.

The evidence of "the effect of grossly incompetent teachers on students," Treu wrote, "is compelling. Indeed, it shocks the conscience." ...